Thursday, April 7, 2011

Barb Grainger's Long Magatama Bead Pinecone

Well, I just had to play some more with these Long Magatama beads! While I was experimenting with the Dragon Bangle instructions a few weeks ago (see previous posts) I thought to myself that these beads would make the most darling little pinecone. So I abandoned the bangle and decided to play around with it to see what I could come up with. It didn't take long before I had the most darling little pinecone in my hand. (I think someone on one of the beading forums thought the beads would work for a pinecone too, but I can't remember who it was.)

Even though I designed the pinecone right away, I've been waiting to 'debut' it until I could get the instructions written up, but I just couldn't wait any longer so I decided to go ahead and post this today. I'm working on the instructions and should have them done soon. I've decided to sell them through Cindy's Crafts http://www.beadlady.biz/  and donate a portion of the sales to her Beadaide charity. (Surprise Cindy!) 

I've been showing the pictures to Cindy off and on but she's been sworn to secrecy. BTW, she keeps a good secret. :) 

So, without further delay, here are my pinecones!


Here's another picture of them next to a quarter so you can get an idea of the size.



IMHO they are adorable. Can't you just imagine a bowl full of these little cuties on your table?  I'm also thinking they'd make a great focal bead for a lariat. They'd also look great in a mini Christmas wreath, or you could put three of them together with a few sprigs of branched fringe for a cute little Christmas pin.

I made the light colored one first, but later decided that I wanted the pinecone just a tad shorter so I made the blue and black ones. I've since made a few more to go along with them.

Working with these Long Magatama beads is challenging at first, but once you learn how to work them they bead up as fast as any other bead. (See previous post.)

I'll let ya know when the instructions are ready. To be continued..........

Barb :)

13 comments:

Terri said...

OOooh, I can't wait for the tut for this one! I love them!!!!!!

Barb said...

Thank you Terri, I'm glad you like them. They are fun to make. :)

Barb

Barbara said...

These are really adorable. I can envision a glass bowl of them on my glass table! Love them!

Unknown said...

They are absolutely adorable! I'll be watching for the tut, also.

Kate
Arachne53

GrandmaMarilyn said...

Those are beautiful, Barb. I love them.

Jan HP said...

I just got my beads from Cindy and I'm having trouble holding the ladder row (of the Dragon Bangle). How are you holding it so the next row lays on top of the first?

Love your ideas-Jan

Barb said...

I'm so sorry that it has taken me so long to answer. I haven't visited the blog for a while. You string the first bead from the bottom. Then you string the 2nd bead from the top. Then you pass the needle back UP through the first bead and then down through the 2nd bead. Hold the beads so the 'toe of the shoe' faces towards you. If you are still having problems send me an email at sonsery at aol.com :) Barb

Barb said...

Thank you everyone for all the kind comments about my little pinecone. :)

Barb

Eva Maria Keiser said...

Wonderful design!

pwrath said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
pwrath said...

Hey Barb, I took a class from you years ago and bought your books. I saw this on a website and thought I would pass it on to you. I know this is out of your book, but I don't know if they had permission to post it. Good luck-Pam Wesselink
http://biser.info/node/152721#comments

Barb said...

Hi Pam, sorry it has taken so long to answer. I always forget that I need to check the comments. LOL

No they do not have permission to post my directions right out of my book. I have written then sevearal times since 2007 and they still haven't removed it after 4 years. Thank you for writing me though. :)Barb

Barb said...

Thank you Eva! It is a fun project. :)

Barb